Original subtitles

BASED ON THE NOVEL "THE PRISONER OF BEAUTY" BY PENGLAI KE

Then, in your opinion,

what's his true nature?

Tough on the outside, soft on the inside.

Big-hearted.

Otherwise,

he wouldn't have allowed you to stay in Yujun.

If that's the case,

I've misjudged him.

Thank you for your advice.

Your Go skills are truly remarkable.

I gladly admit defeat.

Greetings, Mother.

Mother, you asked for me. What would you like me to do?

I heard from the accountant that you changed the candle expenses.

We're using yellow candles now.

I'd prefer beeswax candles.

They burn brighter and produce less smoke.

Nonsense!

Zhonglin works tirelessly out there

while you lounge around in here?

If you don't care for him, fine.

But now you're making all kinds of demands?

Clearly, no daughter-in-law can ever match a mother.

Only a mother can truly love her son.

Mother, I've checked the household accounts.

We're under budget for candles every month.

There'll be no extra costs.

My lord!

Her Ladyship wrote to Yanzhou again.

She didn't ask you.

I held it back.

Have a look.

Aunt, I've been scared of the dark lately and am having trouble sleeping.

Could you please copy me

the calming and mind-clearing remedy from Yanzhou?

That's it?

All for nothing.

Wait.

There's a hidden message.

You are all way out of line.

Get back to what you should be doing.

A hidden message.

Only a few shops in Yujun sell candles.

Big, small, thick, and thin, we've got them all here.

My lady, we have plenty of candles here already.

Why do you have to do this?

This candle won't do.

It smokes too much.

Try this one.

Careful, it's hot.

But this one flickers too much.

You can't sleep well at night with it.

Well, maybe.

- You're back home. - My lord.

What are you doing?

The candles we have all give off thick smoke.

It's harsh on the nose and strains the eyes when reading at night,

so I wanted to replace them.

We are not an ordinary couple.

Just keep up appearances.

Don't play clever tricks,

trying to snoop into my affairs

and cause a stir in the whole household.

I only changed the candles.

I wasn't trying to snoop into your affairs.

That's for the best.

Her Ladyship paid for the candles herself.

She didn't cost you a coin.

I'll have the accountant send some silver tomorrow.

I rule Wei, a great state.

Do I lack money for a few candles?

I've heard that Boya used to be part of Wei's holdings,

but because of Qiao's tricks,

the Qiao flag now flies there.

Lady Xu is furious.

She lectured Lady Qiao for quite a while.

That's right.

Since she acted without considering the household,

Mother certainly won't let her off easily.

Besides,

it's been over three months since she and Zhonglin got married.

They're no longer newlyweds.

Taking a concubine now

is definitely not something that can be seen as disobedience.

Actually, Shao approved taking a concubine.

Aunt, why not go straight to Lady Qiao and get her to agree to the match?

If she refuses, go tell Lady Xu herself.

Lady Qiao is clearly in the wrong.

I don't think she would dare refuse.

BETROTHAL LETTER

This is Zhonglin and Chuyu's Betrothal Letter.

The fifth of next month is an auspicious day.

Hurry and prepare for the betrothal.

This matter is of great importance.

I need to ask His Lordship first.

I can't decide on my own.

Is it that you can't decide,

or that you don't want him to take a concubine?

Zhonglin is the last of the Wei line.

Everyone in this family is waiting for his heir.

But you are still in mourning.

How is our Wei family supposed to carry on?

Then I'll be direct.

I already asked His Lordship about taking a concubine.

Neither he nor Grandmother agreed to it.

You…

You're using them to pressure me again?

Fine.

I'll speak plainly today.

Don't think I don't know

it was you who egged Zhonglin on not to take a concubine.

I won't argue with you over all your little schemes.

As long as Zhonglin takes Chuyu as his concubine,

you can take charge of everything else.

You're clever, Mother.

That's true. I did try to dissuade His Lordship.

When I first met him,

I was struck by his masculinity.

He set aside our families' old feud

and treated me kindly in Xindu.

From then on, I saw that he carried the world in his heart.

He's a truly broad-minded man.

Later, in Panyi,

he saved me from danger.

From that moment,

I swore to myself

that I would stay by his side forever.

Enough, stop it.

No one wants to hear your sentimental drivel.

Mother,

it's all my fault.

I love His Lordship too deeply.

I can't bear to share him with other women.

You can call me jealous,

or say I'm harsh,

but what new bride, just months into marriage,

can bear to watch her mother-in-law arrange a concubine for her husband?

Punish me if you must.

Even if it costs me my life,

I will never accept Zheng Shu as a concubine in my home.

Enough. That's enough.

You wanted to see me, my lord?

I heard you told Mother

that you have feelings for me.

Is that true?

I only said that

to go along with your wish.

I had no other choice.

You needn't take it seriously.

My wish?

Aren't you afraid Mother will blame you?

I just don't want you to do anything you don't want to.

As the master of this household and ruler of Wei,

you should make your own decisions.

If you want to take Zheng Shu as your concubine,

I won't stop you.

But if you don't want to,

I won't let anyone else force you into it.

Your words can cut deep,

but sometimes they're comforting.

I'll take that as a compliment.

But remember this.

We are not an ordinary couple.

From now on, never…

Never try to seduce you with my beauty.

I know that.

Very well.

Well, you should head back.

All right.

Lady Qiao truly has no shame,

using that excuse to brush me off.

Aunt, please, marry me off to someone else.

Chuyu…

I'll never forget you,

and I'll come visit you often.

Chuyu!

Chuyu!

Once you're gone, I'll be left alone.

It was bad enough dealing with my mother-in-law,

and now I have to face that Qiao too.

How can I handle all this?

Tell me, how am I supposed to live like this?

Now that it's come to this,

do you have any ideas left, Aunt?

No, we can't do that.

Chuyu,

I know

this

is hard for you,

but right now,

there's no other way.

If you refuse,

even I can't help you anymore.

Well, Aunt,

I'll do as you say.

Let me propose a toast first.

Son,

I was born clumsy and reckless.

I've caused you much trouble. I'm sorry for that.

Let me have three cups to apologize.

No need, Mother.

Please take it easy.

Drink up.

How many cups have I had?

Three.

Three, huh?

No problem.

Here, I'll top up your cup, son.

Eat and drink up.

- Thank you, Mother. - Shall we?

Sure.

Ma'am, it's time for your decoction.

What's wrong, Mother?

I've had headaches recently.

I asked the physician for some decoction.

I was too happy today and forgot to take it.

- Let's go. - Shall I come with you?

No, you stay.

Watch your step.

My lord.

Lady Zhu was planning to come after taking her decoction,

but somehow, her headache got worse.

Even the decoction didn't help.

Please, go check on her.

- Lead the way. - Yes, my lord.

My lady?

His Lordship is here to visit you.

Mother?

Shao.

Mother?

How does my dress look?

Does it look good?

I'm sorry.

Shao.

Are you not feeling well?

Shall I

help you rest?

Go away.

I said go away.

- Shao… - Put on your robe.

Shao,

I have no choice.

Now, I just want

to ease your pain.

Shao, please don't go.

Go away!

Shao!

- My lord! - Zhonglin.

- Where are you going? - Zhonglin.

Go away!

Zhonglin! Zhonglin!

I…

You plotted with an outsider

against your own son?

I…

Zhonglin.

Zhonglin, please.

I can explain.

Look away!

His Lordship is just angry.

Say one word and I'll tear your mouths apart!

Chuyu.

My lord?

Are you all right?

Shall I call the physician?

No.

Don't let anyone see me like this.

Get me more water!

Water.

So the one closest to you

should be someone who sees what you see

and feels what you feel.

I just don't want you to do anything you don't want to.

If you want to take Zheng Shu as your concubine,

I won't stop you.

But if you don't want to,

I won't let anyone else force you into it.

My lord?

Things you don't want to tell others,

you can tell her.

- Matters you don't want others to handle… - My lord?

- …you can leave to her. - Are you all right?

Shall we call the physician?

And you can show your vulnerability to her.

No need.

Your robe is soaked.

Go change it, or you'll catch cold.

I told you before,

whatever happens with the Qiao family,

I will never let you be without a home.

Do you remember?

Yes. You said so, my lord.

My lord, let go of me.

Let go of me!

Your Lordship!

What's wrong?

Are you drunk?

I'm still in mourning.

If I've done something wrong, just tell me directly.

My lord, you promised me

on our wedding day in Panyi

that I could mourn Grandfather for a year.

I'm sorry.

I had something dirty at Mother's.

Bring me some ice.

Mother…

Bring me some ice!

Here's the ice.

Is that enough?

Yes.

My lord,

I'll stay right here.

If you need anything, just say the word.

All right.

I want some water.

Water.

Here's your water.

I'll get you another cup.

Here.

Bring me my clothes.

Did you get those wounds

in Xiaogang?

Just minor injuries.

Nothing serious.

Are you feeling better now, my lord?

If you are, I… I'll take my leave.

Thank you.

His Lordship caught a chill last night. He's not feeling well.

Keep it down while you're working.

Don't wake him up.

- Yes. - Yes.

My lord, are you feeling better?

I have no idea what you're talking about.

Last night, your old wound flared up,

so you used crushed ice to ease the pain.

I've already ordered the maids

to make ginger tea for you to drive out the cold.

Thank you, my lady.

Zhonglin,

it was my fault,

what happened last night.

How could I have been so foolish

as to do that?

After you left last night,

I thought you'd never accept me

as your mother again.

Zhonglin.

I suppose

your grandmother knows about it now.

Yes, it's all my fault.

I'll go to Mother and ask her to punish me.

Mother, don't worry.

Grandmother knows nothing of this.

I'm not going to tell her and make her worry.

However,

there's one thing I hope you'll agree to.

Zhonglin,

go on and tell me.

Send Zheng Shu away.

She is never to set foot in the Wei household again.

But…

I…

I understand. I understand.

It's just that

Chuyu has been with me all these years.

She has no one else to rely on.

If I suddenly send her away, where can she go?

Zhonglin,

all these years,

you've been busy with state affairs,

and it was Chuyu who stayed by my side and took care of me.

I don't mean anything else,

I just want to prepare more for her

and find her a good husband.

It's my way of thanking her

for the filial care

she's given on your behalf.

No, I…

Please, son.

Three days.

I'll give you three days.

I just hope

you learn your lesson

and never act so foolishly again.

That would be

the greatest blessing for me, as your son.

Zhonglin!

Are you speaking the truth?

I dare not lie, ma'am.

Ma'am, Her Ladyship is here.

Greetings, Grandmother.

I'm sorry I got up late today and kept you waiting.

I deserve punishment.

You may all leave.

Come here.

Sit.

I called you here to ask about something.

I heard that last night,

Zhonglin got angry at Lady Zhu and Zheng Shu in the east wing

and even kicked down the doors.

I honestly don't know what happened in the east wing.

You're a sensible girl.

Zhonglin finds it hard to speak openly with me now,

so I'm asking you.

What exactly happened last night?

Grandmother, I really don't know.

What about him asking for ice in the middle of the night?

You don't know about that either?

Lately, while caring for His Lordship,

I noticed new wounds on his back,

probably from the Xiaogang battle.

They haven't fully healed yet.

I presume he used ice to ease the pain.

But please don't worry, Grandmother.

I've asked the maids

to prepare more ginger tea for him to drive out the cold.

He should be fine.

All right.

I see.

You've stayed up all night tending to him.

You must be tired.

Go back and have some rest.

Then I'll take my leave.

Very well.

Ma'am,

it seems Her Ladyship doesn't know about this.

Luckily, we got the truth from the east wing maids.

That's some clever talk.

She's usually sharp-tongued, witty, and eloquent.

She knows how to say nothing when things get sensitive.

If you push her too hard,

she'll just make something up to fool you.

She's so tight-lipped.

So,

Her Ladyship deceived you, Ma'am?

Yet somehow I feel you're not angry with her.

She was preserving Zhonglin's dignity

by covering for his mother.

Ma'am, just admit it.

At this point, no matter how you look at it,

you've grown fond of Her Ladyship,

haven't you?

I only care because she cares for Zhonglin.

Since she holds him dear, I can't help but care for her too.

I truly hope she and Zhonglin can be a loving couple.

Indeed.

That foolish Zhu

isn't even a match for a young girl.

She is utterly ignorant!

Aunt.

If Lady Qiao had even half your thoughtfulness,

I wouldn't have been humiliated in front of my own son.

You two make such a devoted aunt and niece.

Mother.

Mother…

Ma… Ma'am.

What brings you here?

If you need anything, have a servant call me.

I'll be there right away.

- Maids. - Yes, ma'am.

Send Zheng Shu away immediately.

I don't want to see her again.

Mother!

- Ma'am… - Please, show mercy.

- Aunt! - Mother!

Ma'am!

- Aunt! - Mother!

- I know you and your niece are close. - Aunt!

- I won't let her suffer. - Ma'am, I admit my fault!

Though Zheng Shu is an orphan,

she still has uncles.

Lady Xu has prepared a dowry for her

and will find her a good husband.

Lady Zhu,

are you satisfied?

I will…

follow your arrangements, Mother.

My lord, let go of me.

Let go of me!

What is it?

Her Ladyship worried the chill might make you sick,

so she sent a tonic for you.

She hopes you feel better soon.

Did anything happen in the household today?

Her Ladyship visited Lady Xu,

and then Lady Xu went to see Lady Zhu.

That's all I know.

I heard Lady Xu scolded Lady Zhu in the east wing today

and sent her to meditate at the ancestral hall.

But I don't know what really happened.

What could it be?

Mother must've upset Grandmother again.

That's not unusual.

I hope she learns her lesson this time.

But it won't be easy.

- My lord. - My lord.

My lord, please have a seat.

I heard

Grandmother called for you this morning.

Yes.

But don't worry, my lord.

I didn't tell Grandmother a single word

about what happened last night.

No one else knows either,

not even Chunniang.

Let's eat.

HEALING POWDER

My lord.

Are you afraid of me?

I just…

I was just worried about your wound.

HEALING POWDER

Don't worry.

What happened yesterday

won't happen again. I promise.

We'll need to go and inspect the Yongning Canal in a few days.

Whose turn is it?

I'm too young. I'm not going.

I can't leave the tavern maid at Luozhong Tavern.

Wei Xiao, you should go.

Let's draw straws.

What, again? No way.

You only draw straws when no one wants to go.

I'm not drawing.

Just get it over with, so we…

What are you mumbling about? So annoying!

My lord,

what's wrong?

He said he's staying at the Government Office for now.

Probably had another fight with Her Ladyship.

Finished the military embezzlement case?

Yes, the ringleader's been caught.

He'll be executed soon.

- Then you're just idling around here? - No, we're not.

The Yongning Canal is almost finished.

We were talking about who should go inspect it in a few days.

It's not a big deal.

Advisor Gongsun said it doesn't matter who goes.

We should just bring a few men and make it official.

Since it's not a big deal, why's it taking so long?

I'll go myself.

It's just a routine check to Panyi. You don't have to go.

Enough!

I said I'm going. That's final.

Yes, my lord.

EXECUTION

EXECUTION

His Lordship said he caught a chill.

But why hasn't he come back for days?

Hiding from me, I guess.

He's hiding from you, my lady?

Afraid I'll catch his illness.

That's rather considerate of him.

He's quite the planner.

Planner?

What plan?

Nothing.

I just think he's trying to balance

his mother's dignity and his filial duty.

I feel a bit sorry for him.

Go tell him to come home later.

I'm not afraid of chills.

Greetings, my lady.

Why are you packing so much?

Does His Lordship have official duties?

In two days, His Lordship will go to Panyi.

He asked us to get his things packed.

What's the trip to Panyi about?

The Yongning Canal project is almost done.

Someone needs to inspect it.

His Lordship insists on going himself.

Just a routine inspection?

Why not let Wei Liang go?

Now he's going to Panyi to hide from me?

Any other orders, my lady?

There you are, my lady.

I've been looking everywhere.

Lady Zhu said

that since she went to meditate at the ancestral hall,

she hasn't seen you for days.

She asks you to come, my lady.

I should visit Mother.

Chuyu's been by my side all these years.

Now that I'm sending her away, it should be done with dignity.

If you hadn't tattled,

why would Lady Xu have ordered Chuyu to leave without delay?

Was stealing my Zhonglin not enough?

Now you're driving away my only niece, aren't you?

You're being way too cruel.

Did your father teach you to do things like this?

Grandmother ordered you to kneel in the ancestral hall.

You must be exhausted.

I shall take my leave.

Stop right there!

Did I say you could leave?

If it weren't for your meddling,

Zhonglin would've married Chuyu long ago.

But now, he's lost face

with both his family and his ancestors.

It seems like your time kneeling in the ancestral hall

hasn't taught you Grandmother's wishes.

Insolence!

How dare you talk back?

You're the enemy's daughter! You don't even come close to my Chuyu!

True.

You've always wanted Zheng Shu to marry His Lordship.

Despite all his refusals, you still pushed ahead.

You even schemed just to make it happen.

Now that everything's come to light,

all you care about is Zheng Shu.

What about His Lordship's dignity?

Everyone says you love your son,

but do you really?

You want Zheng Shu to be his concubine.

You tampered with the box for her sake.

You even drugged His Lordship, all for Zheng Shu.

His Lordship is the ruler of Wei.

His marriage should serve the greater good.

The marriage alliance is taking effect,

but you keep interfering.

I'm afraid you don't want His Lordship to truly rule!

How dare you?!